Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out a January move for former England defender Sol Campbell - and insisted he has money to spend if he wanted to.

Speculation rose earlier this week that Ferguson would look to bring Campbell in when the transfer window opens next month as he battles with an ongoing defensive injury crisis. Campbell insisted there had been no approach from United, but admitted he would be interested in a move to Old Trafford should the opportunity arise.

However, the United boss was quick to quash rumours that he was interested in signing former Arsenal defender.

"I don't know where this came from but it is all wrong,'' he said. "Sol Campbell was a great player but he is not a player we are thinking about getting to come to United.''

A move for Campbell always seemed unlikely given the player's age, and the fact he has played only one League Two game since he left Portsmouth at the end of last season. And, as Ferguson confirmed, many of the current problems - while leaving him short of options once more for tomorrow's Old Trafford encounter with Aston Villa - are unlikely to be long-term.

"Jonny Evans could be back in 10 days and John O'Shea will be with us in January,'' he said. "We are having a hard time with centre-backs at this moment in time but I am sure by January most of them will be back.''

The suggestion of signing the 35-year-old triggered more discussion of United's £790 million debt and suggestions that Ferguson had no money to spend, despite the £80 million sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in the summer. But Ferguson insists the money is there if he wanted to spend it.

"It has been said I do not have the money," he said. "But the money is there if I wanted to use it. I didn't see any value in the summer and I don't see any value at the moment either. I am happy with the players I already have at the club."